Saturday, February 16, 2019

Hello? Is There Anybody Out There? A 1/2 Day Game Day at the Lewis Army Museum

Hello all! Still not moved to the new place yet, final stages of closing and a myriad of other paperwork to be completed, but managed to break away for a short (half-day) gaming event held at the Fort Lewis Army Museum. This was quickly put together between one of our longtime members, Bruce M (of Company B Miniatures) and the museum director, Erik, a recent Army retiree and also recent member of the Northwest Historical Gaming Society (NHMGS). Just a few weeks ago, Erik had posted on the NHMGS Facebook that he was looking to "liven" up the place with us hosting a gaming day there. Erik said he collected and painted miniatures, but had never actually wargamed before and wanted to learn. The trap was set! Anyway, I hadn't been to the museum for close to 10 years, when I was still on active duty on Fort Lewis. Figured this was a perfect excuse to check it out after the place was renovated a few years ago. I drive past it everyday on my way to work in Olympia - a few miles south of Fort Lewis. You can actually see the museum quite clearly from I-5 as it is just a few hundred meters away from it.
Somewhat gloomy weather; perfect for indoor activities!
The poor Nike Hercules needs some TLC.
M103 Heavy Tank - a Cold War tank never used in actual combat; hence the name "Cold War" :)
 A view of the main park - a cast hull Sherman to the left, with a Chaffee behind it.
Front entrance to the museum itself. This is the side of the museum you can see as you head southbound on I-5.
The museum and fort's namesake and his trusty Newfoundland dog, Seaman, meeting with a native Salish.
 A couple of mid-19th C. locals. The guy on the left looks like a young Matthew Broderick.
 WW2 ETO display; the German mannequin begs an appropriate caption.
 WW2 PTO display.
My buddy Lawrence B's What A Tanker game. Erik, the museum director, played in this game. He said he enjoyed it.
Tail of the Scorpion WW2 Malaya game using Combat.
 Chain of Command game.
 Close up of a personnel carrier crewed by Sikhs, from the Malaya game.
Cruel Seas game. I played in this game and ran two British Vospers. Against good advice, both historical and from the rules themselves, I chose to attempt to ram one of my Vospers into a German boat. The enemy successfully evaded the ram, I felt vindicated as I had made the larger vessel flee from me.
 A close up of some of Lawrence's handmade and camo'd What A Tanker game boards. Note the "Ambush" pattern on the one on the far right.
M55 Howitzer; another Cold Warrior, as well as a Vietnam War vet. It had a 10 mile range!
Modern armor on the north side of the museum - including a Sheridan next to the M60. Back in the 80's I served with the 3-73rd Armor, 82nd Airborne Div, which had air droppable Sheridans. It was known as the "Only Airborne Armor in the Free World" - this appropriate as the Soviets had a bunch of them.

Well, thanks for stopping by and hope to get into the new place in a few weeks. It's getting old living out of my "duffle bag," so to speak.

28 comments:

  1. these look fantastic! Thank You for a photos!

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    1. Thanks, Michal. The place was renovated several years ago and it is tip top shape. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks, Ross. The vehicles and rockets do needs some TLC. Warm regards, Dean

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  3. Great pictures Dean, hopefully things get back to normal as soon as possible for you!

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    1. Thanks a lot, Fran. We can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Kind regards, Dean

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  4. Wonderful pictures Dean! Best of luck for your move.

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  5. Cool looking museum and a nice location for gaming 😀

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    1. They used to game there occasionally, but it was years ago - the 90's? Before my time with the club. So it is very nice to start this collaboration up again. We should be having another gaming day there before the year is up. Kindest regards, Dean

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  6. Looks like a great days fun. Hope you get into the new house soon!

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    1. Thank you kindly, Ray. At this stage it's just the final paperwork stages - and the "dreaded" move itself - we don't have too many things and all my breakables (aka toy soldiers) are safely packed away. Warmest regards, Dean

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  7. Looks like you had a lovely day, Dean! Museum and pictures look great!

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    1. Thanks, Dmitry. It was great seeing gaming buddies who I don't often see - I'm kind of a recluse :) That and trying out the new set of rules, Cruel Seas. Best regards, Dean

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  8. Nice looking museum and sounds like a great day out, good luck with the move!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. I think we're having another game day there next month - hopefully after I'm settled in the new place - which will be only about 10 minutes away from the museum. Kindest regards, Dean

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  9. Looks a great little event. Good look on the move.

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    1. Thanks, Scrivs! Appreciate your well-wishes. Kind regards, Dean

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  10. Bureaucracy my friend is the same beast everywere!
    Great that you find sometime for your self!
    Regards, George.

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    1. Thanks, George! Appreciate the sentiments. Warmest regards, Dean

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  11. Hi Dean,
    Thanks for posting the photos. I wish I could have made it to the event. But it sounds like it was successful, so maybe I'll make the next one.

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    1. Thanks, Dave. Bruce and Erik did a great job putting this together in such a short time. The game masters also d I d a fine job. Gary G ran the Cruel Seas game with some very nice models. Bruce said we might be having another one there is March. Best regards, Dean

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  12. Nice post and glad you got out for a game. Best of luck with the relocation... seems like it can't come soon enough!

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, Peter. Yes, I'm eagerly awaiting the completion of the move - want to host a game soon. Kind regards, Dean

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  13. Looks like a perfect venue for the event and some very popular rule sets being played.
    Cheers,
    Pat.

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    1. Thanks, Pat. Yes, it was indeed a nice venue - also, it was great to try out Cruel Seas - so recently released too. Kind regards, Dean

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  14. Thanks for sharing the photos Dean. Some impressive pieces on display at the museum.

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    1. Yes, nice old gear and vehicles. I believe their trying to raise funds to renovate the AFV's. Best regards, Dean

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